Fatigue has been my constant companion w/RA. Things that have helped me: try to get 8-9 hr sleep (We need more sleep w/RA), gentle exercise every day on stationary bike or treadmill or outside), eat 3 healthy meals w/ mostly beans,veg, Fruit, Whole grains,nuts. No junk., pace myself, take RA meds & find joy. Accept that I can’t do all that I used to do. Hope you feel better!

TRUST YOUR DOC, TRY THE MEDICINES. After 36 years with RA, I know the side effects seem scary, but they mostly don't happen, and the right drug can help you get your life back.

Regina- at advanced age- 60s and up- I agree with you. But for younger ppl- throw yourself out of bed or your chair. Roll on the floor. Wrestle your cat or a kid. You'll find your energy has returned. But if I did that now- I'd wake up 2 hours later- stiff and stuck to my carpet by my own slobber. My dad had a twisted sense of humor. He turned on lights to wake us in the morning. I remember times when that failed. Cold water in the face. A pillow smashed over my face til I fought free, raging mad. But awake. Covers ripped off and a belt across my fanny. .. that really got me tuned in to the light switch. He just laughed. But he hated laziness and deadheads. We didn't stay mad long but did get easier to wake up and get moving. Of course, now we have eeosion, pain and stiffness plus to deal with also. We've earned respite. As long as we do stretches, keigles and some walking resting when your body tells us is smart. And plenty of water- I am bad at this!

My husband, who is the RA patient, has days FULL of energy and then will have a day when he is exhausted. It is usually weather related. We are both retired. I tell him to :"listen to your body". Having joined myRATEAM, I have become VERY understanding. I let him lie around playing "international Words with Friends" on his Ipad, I do everything that needs to be done and treat him with TLC.

Susan949 Thanks for this. Beautiful! (I lived in Arlington for a long time)